The life of a Nurse Practitioner Student can be hectic and stressful. Trying to fit in working full-time, family commitments, studying and clinical hours with a preceptor can leave you feeling burnt out and spread way too thin, not to mention trying to find NP preceptors can add an extra layer of stress. I am going to give you my top 3 ways of staying Zen and keeping on top of things so that you can manage your stress and have a healthy work/life balance.
Simplify your to-do list:
The life of a Nurse Practitioner Student can be hectic and stressful. Trying to fit in working full-time, family commitments, studying and clinical hours with a preceptor can leave you feeling burnt out and spread way too thin, not to mention trying to find NP preceptors can add an extra layer of stress. I am going to give you my top 3 ways of staying Zen and keeping on top of things so that you can manage your stress and have a healthy work/life balance.
Have a support system in place:
Having a good support system in place is extremely important, and can drastically reduce isolation, depression and loneliness. A good support system can consist of friends, family members, colleagues or managers, neighbours or faith leaders. Here are just a few ways in which you can start to build and strengthen your support network:
- Reach out and make time for your family and friends
- Make use of technology with video calls
- Ask what support is available through your workplace
- Join a local support group or community centre
- Ask your doctor or community outreach what support is available
Having just a few people that you can turn to in a crisis or when you are feeling stressed or down, can be a great help. Whether it’s helping you find a solution to a problem, or just lending a sympathetic ear and listening to your problems, having that support can mean all the difference.
Have yourself a Mini-Moment:
A mini-moment is a tiny spot of time dedicated to lifting your mood and raising your vibration. Think of it as a mini sanctuary in your brain that you can nip in and out of throughout the day. All you need is one minute, but you can make your mini-moments last as long as you want, and do them as often as you like.
Having a mini-moment has so many benefits: reduced heart rate and blood pressure; an energy boost; clear thinking and focus; a deeper connection to your intuition; a calmer state of mind, and raised vibration, just to name a few.
Examples of a mini-moment include: having a chat with a friend (a positive one); listening to an uplifting podcast; reading a page or chapter of a book, and my favourite for when you are short on time, concentrating on your breath for one minute.
When you concentrate on your breath, you become very present in the moment, and it’s like having a mini meditation. Don’t try to alter your breath – just notice it and keep bringing your mind back to it.
Have you tried any of these tips? Let us know what your favourite ways of staying Zen are and how they impact your work/life balance.
